PESTS remain a focus for Waikato Regional Council. PHOTO DOC
A NEW three-year term for Waikato Regional Council (WRC) is now underway. As I write this article, like all other councils around the country, we are in the process of agreeing on and approving a committee structure that will enable and facilitate good decision making and an efficient way of working, along with a Terms of Reference for each committee that sets out the scope, responsibilities and delegated powers for each committee. The structure will include an Integrated Catchment Committee (ICMC), with very similar responsibilities to the ICMC of the last triennium.
TARGETED RATEPAYERS Council is also looking to undertake engagement with targeted catchment ratepayers with a view to establishing an efficient and practical way of engaging and working with farmers and stakeholders with regards to WRC’s Integrated Catchment work programmes. The intention is to find a more efficient and effective mechanism to replace the Catchment Advisory Committees of old. This would enable stakeholders an opportunity to provide input into ICM work programmes, but in a more efficient way, as the previous advisory committee structure was becoming very expensive to service, and questionable from a cost verses benefit perspective. With spring growth really ramping up, many undesirable plant pests are now bursting into flower, often highlighting weed infestations that may not have been apparent during the winter. Our plant pest contractors can not be everywhere, and accordingly are very reliant on observant members of the public helping them to identify plant pest issues that need addressing.
PEST ISSUES Please do not hesitate to make contact with the WRC plant pest team on 0800 800 401 if you are aware of a plant pest issue that our biosecurity team should be aware of. The biosecurity section of the WRC website contains a wealth of information, including details and pictures of a range of problem plant pests, and the Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) sets out the various approaches and management regimes for each specific pest identified. Note that pests (both plant and animal) need to be identified in the current RPMP for the council to either undertake control work or direct a landowner oroccupier to undertake control work.
INFORMATION Our staff are also always happy to help out with information and advice regarding both plant and animal pest management, and again the WRC website contains lots of useful information and factsheets. Plan Change One (PC1) is still working its way through the appeals process, so until this concludes, WRC is unable to provide any clarity on what the final shape and form of PC1 will be. WRCs work programme to give effect to the Governments Essential Freshwater programme is ongoing, and I will update you on progress in a future article, as the ramifications of this will also impact the rollout and final shape of PC1. WRC will be at Fieldays again this year on Sites PE 36 / 38 in the main pavilion from Wednesday 30th November to Saturday 3rd December. One of the new Councils objectives over the next few months is to review and update our Strategic Direction. We currently have six strategic priorities that guide our work – water, biodiversity and biosecurity, sustainable infrastructure, climate, coastal and marine, and transport connections. We would really appreciate your feedback on whether you think these priorities are appropriate, or if you think we should be focusing on something else. If you can’t make Fieldays, you can provide your feedback via the link on Fieldays 2022 | Waikato Regional Council. And as per usual, we’ll have various staff on site as well as Councillors to help you with any questions or concerns you may have on the various stuff that WRC does.
Stu Kneebone Councillor, Waipā – King Country Ph 021 943 055
